THE CRYSTALLINE MINE
Another day in the hole. “Just two more weeks of this job and we are out of here!” your friend whispers. The uplifting banter is welcome and you probably need it right now. You’ve been in the mine for months.
This job’s description didn’t mention what you were mining for, and it appears that it isn’t the crystals and beautiful gems. It didn’t mention who you were mining for either.
The soggy pill of a man running this operation is a wizard named Naleketh. He’s known for his misdeeds, not his accomplishments. He’s also known for his unusual punishments for failing his tasks.
Today was going well up to the point when Naleketh’s weekly site visit began. Unfortunately, you and your team have been picked to escort the rotten old wizard to one of the deepest shafts of the mine.
There is word of a breakthrough into a deeper, ancient mine in this section. Could this be what Naleketh has been looking for?
As part of the escorting team you’ve been crudely armed. You aren’t sure why since the wizard could easily handle any of the natural inhabitants that make their homes in mines.
These swords are ornate, with filigree carvings running the length of the blades on both sides. They look like they aren’t fit for much other than sparring.
After hours of delving deep into the mine (and listening to the wizard’s bragging and babbling) you have reached the area where the rumored breach was.
This isn’t a breach. This is more of a portal to some damned netherworld!
The wizard’s haggard face lights up with pleasure. “I knew it was here! Come! There is much to do!”
As you reluctantly cross the threshold, your body temperature drops and those survival instincts kick in.
You notice several things.
There are dozens of eyes glowing in various hues of green, red, and blue, in the cavernous gloom ahead.
The decorative carvings on the swords you were given have started to glow a burning orange.
There is a giant (30’ tall?) spectral steed made of bones and tattered skin with glowing, red hot eyes that noticed your group.
And lastly, Naleketh’s staff is generating a huge, unstable ball of raging flames.
☾ So, how will you proceed?
Try to escape back through to the mine.
Attempt to interrupt Naleketh’s spell and demand answers as to what you are up against.
Fight.
Flee.
Try communicating with the spectral steed.
Attempt to identify one of the following: the sword, the spectral steed, or the many pairs of eyes. [Requires appropriate skill check.]